Stock market today: Tokyo hits 30-year high, with many Asian markets shut for Lunar New Year holiday
ABC News
Asian shares are mostly higher as Tokyo's benchmark momentarily touched a 34-year high, while many regional markets were closed for the Lunar New Year holiday
TOKYO -- Asian shares were mostly higher Friday as Tokyo’s benchmark momentarily touched a 34-year high, while many regional markets were closed for the Lunar New Year holiday.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 rose nearly 0.1% to 36,897.42, slipping back from earlier gains that took it briefly to a 34-year high.
Investors were encouraged by remarks by Bank of Japan Deputy Gov. Shinichi Uchida, who hinted the central bank will maintain its easy monetary policy stance even after ending its current negative benchmark rate.
Some issues benefited from the previous day’s earnings reports. SoftBank Group Corp. jumped 8.7% after recording a quarterly profit following a year of red ink. But Nissan stock plunged 12% after the automaker reported its profit fell.
Australia's S&P/ASX 200 added nearly 0.1% to 7,644.80. Thailand's SET edged 0.1% higher.